<p>As you all may remember, my D is going the tech theatre route (stage management or lighting design, probably). She has a GPA in the 3.3-3.5 ish range. She also has a 504 for ADD, anxiety, math disability, and visual processing issues. Her anxiety is extremely bad when it comes to standardized testing. Her ACT scores are dismal. (As in she would be embarrassed to reveal them.) Her Assistant Principal in charge of Special Ed is writing a letter in her behalf regarding the horrendous test scores and how they are not an indication of the kind of student she is. So, it has been mentioned on other forums that she look at one test optional school. (She will retry ACT/SAT again, and hopefully her accommodations will be approved this time. That may not make a difference, though.) I have gone through the list of test optional schools and have come up with Ithaca, Baldwin Wallace, and DePaul. She really wants a BFA and would prefer conservatory or conservatory style to limit the regular core type classes. We looked at Memphis, but it is too core heavy. </p>
<p>Does anyone have experience with those schools? We really know nothing about them.<br>
Any one "better" than the others for what she wants? Additionally, what about need based aid at those three? Merit aid isn't going to happen for her, and finances are a concern. Our big concern with Ithaca is the HIGH price tag.</p>
<p>Also, if anyone has time and would like to look at the entire list of test optional schools, I would much appreciate the help. Let me know if you see any school I've missed that we need to consider. I only want one, but I want to make it the best choice for her. I don't look forward to another app or interview, but given the circumstances, I think it may be a good move.</p>
<p>Muhlenberg is test optional! I will check through the others on my S’s list, but that’s the only one I can think of (besides DePaul) off the top of my head. I know it isn’t a BFA, but it’s a fantastic school and program. Good luck, though–there are plenty of great schools that are test-optional.</p>
<p>UGADog - I still don’t understand why you are persuaded that your daughter wouldn’t qualify for merit-based aid anywhere. My son’s grades were much lower (despite solid board scores) - sort of the opposite situation, where the GPA was embarrassing. He received a generous talent scholarship. I know that DePaul awards scholarships for both talent and academic performance. Study the Theatre School’s website; it will state the amount. Also, note that most test-optional schools want applications submitted by the Early Decision deadline, and often require additional essays or teacher recommendations. Another BA program worth considering is Earlham. It is a very tolerant, progressive Quaker college, and is test-optional. I recommend it for Tech, because my son attended a Quaker secondary school where the Stagecraft teacher/director was an Earlham alumnus. He worked on some major Broadway shows, before deciding to teach. It is not in a dynamic, urban area, unfortunately, but might provide the nurturing environment you seek for your daughter. As for UArts (which we have corresponded about): they require SATs, but they don’t even post admitted students’ stats. I suspect they are all over the map: many artists have learning differences. They will use the scores for placement in the required first-year writing course. My son’s strong verbal scores placed him into an Honors class, and he only has to take one semester instead of two. Most students have to take a full year, while some students are required to take a remedial class.</p>
<p>Thanks for the information! Perhaps she will qualify for some merit aid, but I just don’t want to expect that. I know we will qualify for need based, though. I have, repeatedly, asked her about U of Arts, but she isn’t interested. I’m not sure why, though. </p>
<p>Ironically, she received her first acceptance today!! I am in total shock, and she still has to go through the interview/portfolio review process, but wow…it’s been a pretty good day. Her acceptance letter was to Coastal Carolina, by the way. Now we have to get the interview scheduled with Coastal and wait on acceptance into the theatre program. I’m hoping that her being tech will help in that area. :)</p>
<p>Now, though, DePaul has caught her eye. LOL! She may end up deciding to add it, but for today, we are just going to enjoy the feeling of that first acceptance.</p>
<p>I think she is going to do very well. I also am much more of a “hands-on” learner, and so I really thrived in environments where I could learn this way instead of relying on exams. She may find that her anxiety completely dissipates, and her ADD becomes much less of a problem, when she is doing something she really enjoys. That’s what I found anyway.</p>
<p>I’m certainly not surprised that she has already gotten an acceptance.</p>
<p>Thank you all for your kind words. My nature is pessimistic, so I’m always thinking of the “what ifs.” I agree that she will do much better when she’s in an environment surrounded by other theatre people and not so focused on the academics. Thanks to my worry, I think she may now be interested in DePaul. Hmmm…we’ll have to discuss this, I think.</p>
<p>Well, even though I’m not sure a test optional school is necessary, my DD has apparently decided it is. Actually, I think she just really likes what she sees with DePaul. She completed that application this afternoon. I told her that’s it: NO more apps! Now we just have to get the interviews scheduled. Looks like November and February will be busy months for us. </p>
<p>Once again, thank you all for your kind words and fabulous advice!</p>
<p>Ugadog, I can’t wait to see where your D winds up as I have followed your course with your D. My s goes to DePaul (Acting BFA)-- he LOVES it. There are 100 theater students total (32 acting and the rest are tech or theater arts). They are an incredibly close knit group already after 6weeks. They take many of the same classes and hang out on weekends together. My s tore one of his favorite shirts and told me “no worries, I know people in costume”. They get discounted tickets to shows all over Chicago and see at least one show or improv every weekend. They also go to the zoo, museums etc together. It is like a built in family. (Though he also has friends outside theater). </p>
<p>Though he had good stats, he says the range of academics is “all over the football field” Because the focus is on performance or support of performance. Though I should note that his roommate is a sound design major and he is taking computer and engineering classes.</p>
<p>When we toured, he thought the tech side was fantastic!</p>
<p>Thank you, abtsmom. My D is very intrigued with DePaul. She started that app this weekend. She has 4 additional essays that must be done since she is going test optional. She will finish that up this weekend. I’m so glad your S is happy with DePaul!</p>